10 Best Filipino Side Dishes

Filipino cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and vibrant dishes, often complemented by various side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience. In Filipino culture, side dishes are not merely accompaniments but are important in balancing flavors and textures, making meals more enjoyable. Typically, a Filipino meal consists of a main dish paired with one or two side dishes, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. 

This blog post will explore some of the best Filipino side dishes you can easily prepare at home or look for in Filipino restaurants like Casa Buenas, Crisostomo, and Silogue.

Ensaladang Talong

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Main Ingredients: Eggplant, tomatoes, onions, bagoong 
Ensaladang Talong is a refreshing salad that brings out the smoky flavor of grilled eggplants. The dish typically features grilled eggplant mixed with diced tomatoes and onions, drizzled with bagoong for that signature umami kick. It's light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for hot days or as a complement to heavier main dishes. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like inihaw na baboy or fried fish.

Adobong Kangkong
Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Main Ingredients: Kangkong, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar
Adobong Kangkong offers a savory and slightly tangy flavor profile that enhances any meal. Made with fresh water spinach sautéed in garlic and seasoned with soy sauce and vinegar, this dish is quick to prepare and nutritious. Due to its simplicity and deliciousness, it's a staple in many Filipino households. Adobong kangkong is best enjoyed alongside classic adobo or any meat-based dishes.

Laing
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes 

Main Ingredients: Dried taro leaves, coconut milk, chili peppers

Laing is a creamy and spicy dish that showcases the unique flavor of taro leaves cooked in coconut milk. The combination of rich coconut milk and the heat from chili peppers makes this dish both comforting and exciting. Its richness makes it a delightful addition to any meal. Laing complements grilled meats or fried fish well, providing a perfect balance of flavors.

Lumpiang Shanghai

Preparation Time: 60 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Main Ingredients: Ground pork, carrots, onions, lumpia wrappers

Lumpia are crispy spring rolls filled with savory ingredients like ground pork, carrots, and onions. They are perfect as appetizers or side dishes and are always a hit at gatherings. The crunchiness of the wrapper combined with the flavorful filling makes lumpia irresistible. These are delicious when served with sweet and sour sauce alongside fried rice or any meat dish.

Stir-Fried Okra

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Main Ingredients: Okra, garlic, soy sauce

Stir-fried okra is simple yet flavorful, offering a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with softer main dishes. This dish is prepared by sautéing fresh okra with garlic and seasoning it lightly with soy sauce. It's also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Stir-fried okra works well with grilled meats or rich stews.

Pandesal

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Rising Time: 30 minutes

Main Ingredients: Flour, yeast, sugar, salt

Pandesal is a beloved Filipino bread roll known for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor. This versatile bread can be enjoyed at any meal—whether for breakfast or as an accompaniment to savory dishes. The delightful aroma of freshly baked pandesal fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to enjoy its warm goodness. It pairs perfectly for breakfast with coffee or as an accompaniment to savory dishes like caldereta.

Atchara

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Curing Time: 1 day

Main Ingredients: Green papaya, vinegar, sugar, carrots

Atchara is a tangy pickled vegetable dish that adds brightness to any meal. Made from grated green papaya mixed with vinegar and sugar, this dish offers a sweet and sour profile that helps cut through richer flavors. Atchara is particularly good with fried fish or grilled meats and serves as an excellent palate cleanser during meals.

Burong Mangga

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Curing Time: 2 days

Main Ingredients: Unripe mangoes, rice, salt

Burong Mangga is a fermented mango dish that offers a unique flavor experience—sweet and sour with a hint of umami. This side dish involves fermenting unripe mangoes mixed with rice and salt for several days until they develop their signature taste. It's great as a palate cleanser or side dish during meals featuring richer flavors like grilled meats.

Sinangag

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Main Ingredients: Cooked rice, garlic, oil

Sinangag is the quintessential Filipino breakfast staple. It is made from leftover rice sautéed in garlic until fragrant and slightly crispy. Its garlicky aroma and flavor make it an irresistible side dish for any meal throughout the day. Sinangag is perfect alongside tocino or longganisa, making it an essential part of breakfast spreads.

Pancit Bihon and Canton
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Main Ingredients: Bihon, canton, vegetables, soy sauce

Pancit is not just delicious but also symbolizes long life in Filipino culture. This stir-fried noodle dish can be made using either bihon or canton, mixed with vegetables and flavored with soy sauce. Its combination of noodles and vegetables makes it hearty yet light. Pancit can be enjoyed as a main course but works well as a side dish for any celebration.

Filipino Side Dish Combinations

When planning your meals, consider these side dish and main dish combinations:

Final Thoughts

Filipino side dishes offer an array of flavors that beautifully complement various main courses. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal at home, these side dishes enhance the dining experience and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. Embrace these delicious options to elevate your next meal!